Indices struggle to hold any gains while semis buoy to NASDAQ

- After opening slightly higher equities have given back early gains. Decliners lead advancers on the Dow. A strong earnings report from ADI +9.5% as well an upgrade for NSM +6% have been pushing semiconductor stocks higher since the pre-market. SMH +2.5% LLTC +7% MXIM +6.5% BRCM +3.5% TXN +3% The energy complex has been ticking higher helped by weekly inventory data that has helped April oil futures hold above $60. OIH +1% VLO +1.3% SUN +2.4% CVX +1.2% US Treasury markets are at or near session lows as a stronger than expected Kansas City Fed Manufacturing Index has reinforced todayâs selling. The yield on the 10-year has risen above 4.72% and the 30-year is down half a point at 4.822%. Higher yields have led to some weakness in the home building names. RYL â2.5% HOV â2% TOL â1.5% KBH â1.5%

- March copper futures are up more than 4% at $2.76; putting the contract at its highest level in more than a month. PCU +4.5% FCX +2% PD +1% Gold futures are down fractionally but still above $680, holding onto nearly all of yesterdayâs surge. The Euro has made a new all-time high against the Yen at 159.18 while the Dollar continues to advance against the Yen as well to 121.41.